Development and Evaluation of a Sustainable Paper Straw Wrap:A Packaging Design Project for Tetra Pak

Abstract: The increasing quantity of disposal of single-use items has become one of the important causes of waste accumulation. Today, littering of packaging waste has many severe effects on the environment. As the EU has reported, curbing littering is a complex issue that needs to be tackled. Improving the way packaging is designed will help to deliver a lower level of littering and a higher level of recycling at the same time. Also, regarding the social aspect of packaging design, implementing an easy to open function meets the customer's needs. This project aims to develop and evaluate a sustainable packaging solution for the Tetra Pak paper straw wrap while considering littering prevention and easy to open features. In this project, the Delft packaging design method was employed while following Packaging Design for Littering Prevention and also Packaging Design for Accessibility guidelines. The 'pull-strip' wrap design was developed as the design solution. The final solution facilitates an easy opening function with pull-strip design and embossed seam sealing. Also, the way the straw is attached to the package could help curb littering and eliminate fossil-based adhesive, reducing the plastic content of the unit package. The design solution's material, sealing and functionalities promote the recycling activities in the waste management stream. The new pattern configuration of straws in its multipack facilitates 16% more efficient material and volume utilization in bulk loading.